Qualitative Platelet Abnormalities in Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Abstract

Although idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is generally believed to be a purely quantitative platelet disorder with normal platelet function, we observed impaired aggregation of platelets in nine of 11 patients with chronic ITP. The abnormalities were more severe in four patients with incomplete hematologic remission than in the seven patients in complete remissions. In three patients with intermittent ITP, platelet aggregation was normal.